Knolltop Farm Wife

 By Melissa HartIt is not lost on me that I have one of the best jobs in the world. Traveling is fun but traveling to so many state fairs and cattle shows is something I have enjoyed my entire life.  I think I inherited the love of a cattle show from my mom, who would have spent her entire summer on the road showing something anywhere she could if she had not been busy with a family and a farm. When I interviewed Alta Mae Core of Salvisa, Kentucky for our DAT Extra podcast, I realized she lived that life with her parents.  They went from show to show all summer long and last weekend, as a grandmother, I followed her into Broadbent Arena with a spring calf and followed her out with the Supreme Champion of the Kentucky State Fair. There is just something about the smell of shavings and the sound of clippers with hair flying that reminds us that we are near people we can relate to….we are home. We started our state fair coverage in Columbus at the Ohio State Fair. This f...

 Moving away from family when you start your own family can be liberating and solidifying for your marriage. But when the holidays come, it means making a choice between staying home or hitting the road. When you do you go? When do you stay home? When is the time when you finally decide that Christmas will be at your home on the 25 th ? There are so many expectations that we put on ourselves and others when it comes to family gatherings.  But I believe it can be less dramatic and more meaningful when you plan ahead with all of your family. Young couples with no children, this is your time to be flexible.  While you may want to start your own traditions, keep in mind that you have the easiest time traveling and scheduling.  It’s important to make your extended family a priority, but don’t feel as though you have to accommodate 10 different family gatherings. You may need to alternate between Thanksgiving and Christmas for the various celebrations. Empty nesters,...